Postcard from Islamabad - Pakistan Monument - symbol of unity

Photographer in Pakistan

Pakistan Monument, Shakarparian Hills, Islamabad

As the sun was setting on Saturday I visited the Pakistan Monument located in the Shakaparian Hills. There were lots of people around enjoying the view and the wonderful weather. On the drive up to the monument there were families having picnics and enjoying horse and camel rides, fairy floss and balloons.

The monument represents Pakistani unity and is based on Mughal architecture with four large and three smaller petals. The large petals represent four different cultures - Punjabi, Balochi, Sindhi and Pakhtun. The three smaller petals represent minorities, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Balistan. In the centre is a crescent and granite star, the symbols on the Pakistan Flag. The art work on each of the larger petals show famous landmarks and historical figures. On two walls leading up to the monument there are handprints from all the people that worked on the building, a beautiful tribute.

The monument has great views over Islamabad and next time I will leave more time to sit and admire the view and visit the attached museum.